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IU Fans Anxiously Watching For A Win Tonight

(BLOOMINGTON) - IU fans will be anxiously watching today as the team makes its first appearance in the NCAA tournament in four years.

The team was practicing hard in Portland, Ore., on Wednesday, preparing for the much-anticipated game against New Mexico State.

"There's things we still want to accomplish. Once the game gets going, it's all business," said junior guard Jordan Hulls.

"It's exciting. It's something that you try to go to sleep at night and you just have trouble," said sophomore forward Will Sheehey. "Finally, we get a chance to get on this court and practice. It's a beautiful place."

The optimism among Hoosier fans has been infectious after a season that saw some impressive wins, including against longtime rival Kentucky.

"This team right now, they're at a place they've just got to understand what makes them successful," said head coach Tom Crean. "Anything that's said in a good way and anything that's said in a bad way, that's going to have absolutely nothing to do with it tomorrow night."

The team had a group movie outing Tuesday night to see "Act of Valor."

The players said they're ready for the battle ahead.

"I know these guys are ready to play just like me, so I can't wait to get it rolling," said sophomore guard Victor Oladipo.

"We're happy to be here, but we're very humbled to be here and we're honored," said junior forward Derek Elston. "I feel like this team, we're going to take it all the way."

IU will take on New Mexico State on today at 9:45 p.m.

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